Trying to find Joy in the Everyday Moments

April 26, 2014

Handmade Auction for PSS - The Blankets

Well, we're on the final countdown. In just a couple of weeks I will launch my second Handmade Auction to raise funds for Pregnancy Sickness Support and so it is about time I started sharing the gorgeous donations we've had with you all.

Today it's the turn of the blankets.

Last year my grandma donated 2 crocheted lap/baby blankets and they were a massive hit. I couldn't believe how many people were bidding on them and so this year I have worked hard to ensure we had several blankets in the auction.

I have made 3 blankets, my grandma has made 3 blankets, and the wife of one of the charity's trustees has also made a blanket. That's seven blankets in total - wowee! I believe there may be an eighth blanket on its way too - eek!

Do you want to see them? Of course, you do! Here they are in all their glory...

1. Grandma Marjorie's Blanket #1

This blanket, like all my Grandma's blankets, has been made using various bits of leftover yarn (mostly wool and acrylic blends) and has a wonderfully whimsical feel to it. It's perfect as either a gift for a new baby or as a lap-blanket to keep you warm during the colder months.

I don't know about you, but I love snuggling under a blanket to watch a film or read a book and sometimes you don't want or need a massive blanket wrapped around you in case you need to leap up and do something (like check on your toddler who has woken up crying) without tripping over excess blanket. That's where lap blankets come in and you're lucky enough to have three to choose from.

As you can see, the blanket is a decent size (this photo is taken on a single bed) and whilst not a full bed size, it is perfect for babies, toddlers or throwing over your lap on a chilly evening.

This blanket measures 96.5cm/ 98 inches across.

2. Grandma Marjorie's Blanket #2

Exactly the same as blanket #1 (except not quite, as each is unique in colour scheme). I've taken the photo along with some of Little Man's books and toys to show that the colours work well for any number of bedroom themes if you're looking for a gift for your little one. But don't forget the colours of blankets 1 and 2 are both varied enough to suit an adult too!

It would make the perfect present for a loved one expecting a new arrival, or the ideal addition to your own nursery plans. It is super soft and the colours are so soft and gentle they would fit in with most decors. I truly loved every minute of making this blanket I'm quite sad to see it go... it will be treasured for years, I am sure.

Again, this photo has been taken on a single bed to give a better idea of size... it would be perfect for a cot and still be a nice warm over-blanket when your little one moves into a big bed

It measures 113cm / 44.5 inches from point to point

5. My Granny Mandala Snuggle Blanket

I call this a "snuggle blanket" because it is not as large as most baby blankets, measuring a mere 79cm/ 31 inches across the diameter.

However it is the perfect size for taking out in the pram, pushchair or car and is ideal for tucking in a bag when you go out in case you need something to throw down for baby to sit on and play whilst out and about. My son had one made to the same design and we took it everywhere with us and even to this day he still likes to snuggle up with it sometimes.

It is made in the super soft Sublime Baby Cotton Kapok DK, again donated by Black Sheep Wools and is a great mix of pinks with a splash of purple every so often.

6. My Super Bright Chunky Granny Blanket

This blanket is deliciously warm and cosy as it has been made using two strands of aran weight yarn together. Yet despite being thick it is not overly heavy.

It's bright colours make it ideal for cheering up the darkest of winter days and yet is sunny enough for the brightest summer days too. Whether used as a cover for warmth in the colder months or a blanket to sit on in the garden when it warms up, this blanket will last the test of time.

This blanket is the same size at the snuggle blanket, measuring 79cm/ 31 inches across. However I wouldn't call it a snuggle blanket as it is much thicker and therefore better for laying on a bed rather than carrying around for comfort. It is made using Rico Creative Cotton Aran weight yarn which I bought from Black Sheep Wools using gift cards that were donated by customers for my challenge.

7. Surprise Blanket # 1

This blanket has been made by the wife of one of our trustees and I have yet to see it but have been promised a photo soon! So keep your eyes peeled...

All of these blankets will be listed in my handmade auction, which will go live on eBay on 8th May for 10 days. Bidding on everything starts at 99p so you could bag yourself a bargain! Please do drop by and get the link to the auction once it is live if you like the look of any of these blankets. For more information about the auction and my Nine Months Of challenge, see this post.